As happy, simple, sweet, etc. as can be Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Maximum Expression Highlights the highest degree of a quality, suggesting nothing could be more so. She is as happy as can be with her new job. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Accent Often accentuates strong emotions or states of being, conveying a deep level of feeling. After the concert, the fans were as excited as can be. Pro Tip 3/3Contrasting Context Works well in contexts where a contrast is being made between expectations and reality. Despite the noisy street, her room was as peaceful as can be.